Hezekiah Mucherson, a 7-year-old African American boy, was tragically killed on June 2, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Florida. Hezekiah was with his father, Lavel Mucherson, 31, when they were both fatally shot while driving in a black pickup truck. The incident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. as they were heading north on Northwest 37th Avenue and crossing 207th Street. A dark-colored vehicle pulled up alongside them and opened fire, striking both victims.
Authorities found a semi-automatic rifle and two handguns in Lavel Mucherson's truck, leading detectives to believe that he was targeted.
Lavel Mucherson had a history of being targeted in previous shootings in Miami Gardens, one in July 2009 and another in December 2011. He was also arrested on a second-degree murder charge in 2014, but the case was later dismissed. The investigation into the deaths of Lavel and Hezekiah Mucherson has been ongoing, with the FBI and Miami Gardens Police Department seeking information from the public. Detectives have also been investigating a potentially connected fatal shooting that occurred early in the morning on June 3, 2019, in Miramar, where a man in his 20s was found shot to death in front of a black BMW he had been renting.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement, no arrests have been made in connection with the murders of Hezekiah and Lavel Mucherson. The FBI continues to assess every tip and pursue credible leads, conducting searches and interviews, and collaborating with other agencies to identify any additional angles that should be considered. The case remains open, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
